Bridge of highs

O'BRIEN'S STAR IS NOW JUST 5-1 FOR RYANAIR

- DAVID YATES

BANBRIDGE is Ladbrokes’ 5-1 — from 14-1 — second favourite for Cheltenham’s Ryanair Chase after thwarting Pic D’Orhy’s title defence in the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton Park. 

The Joseph O’Brien eight-year-old and JJ Slevin collared the reigning champion at the last fence of the Coral-sponsored Grade 2 test before coming away to score by a length and three-quarters.

Banbridge landed the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the 2022 National Hunt Festival and was having his first run since lifting the top-level Manifesto Novices’ Chase at Aintree last April.